Knightly News

There is a joyful noise in Chapel this school year thanks to the creation of the Episcopal Praise Band. Band Director Marshall Farrell and Choral Director Carrie Poynot, both in their second year at Episcopal, are excited to offer this new experience after last year’s mandated pandemic protocols meant restrictions on musical opportunities.

Farrell and Poynot say the goal of the Middle School Praise Band is simple. “We wanted Middle School students to have ownership over their Chapel experience,” says Poynot. “This is an opportunity for them to grow spiritually as well as musically.” The teacher/musicians are pleased with the interest among students so far. Farrell says the initial band meeting attracted roughly 30 students, and since then 15 to 20 students have continued participating. “I feel like they’ve enjoyed it,” he says. “They’ve put a lot of energy into it.”

Episcopal Chaplain Skully Knight appreciates that energy. “I was thrilled with the Praise Band,” he says of their first performance. “First of all, I didn’t realize how big it was, how many people were in it, and secondly how enthusiastic they all were to lead the music for chapel. I told Mr. Farrell and Ms. Poynot how exciting it was to have so many of our Middle School students up there helping to lead chapel with their music.”

Farrell and Poynot are finding a way to get Praise Band up and running even with limited practice time. As of now, the group meets once a week for 20 minutes during flex to rehearse. Poynot says students are involved in song selection, and the eighth graders have already proven to be great leaders. The group recently performed for the first time in Chapel, and both teachers say the experience was a good motivator for future involvement.

Seventh grade vocalist Aubrey Ghere is happy to be involved with the new group. “I got involved with Praise Band because I love serving my church, I have loved singing since I can remember, and my favorite type of singing is in a Praise Band, or Choir,” she says. “What I enjoy most about Praise Band is that you are allowed to express yourself through song, and I feel that that is one of the best ways to do it.”

This year, Episcopal vocalists and musicians have a variety of opportunities to express themselves. As Praise Band members continue to finetune their offerings, members of the Episcopal Choir and Upper School Concert Band are gearing up to offer new experiences and timeless Episcopal traditions. Poynot says the choir is teaming up with the Episcopal dancers and Upper School Division Head Tom Forti for a Halloween performance that is sure to be memorable. The choir is also preparing for the Episcopal tradition of Lessons and Carols, which will be offered this year on December 9th. Meanwhile, Farrell says the Upper School Jazz Band will play Jazz Clubbin’ on October 21st in the VPAC.

Celebrate the remainder of the semester with these upcoming musical offerings.

Jazz Clubbin’
Thursday, October 21st 7 pm
Purchase tickets here.

Lower School/Middle School Musical
November 15th – November 18th
Purchase tickets here.

Winter Band Concert
December 7th 7 pm

Lessons and Carols
December 9th at 7 pm

Jazz Band on the Deck
December 10th at 12:55 pm

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.